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Worthington, Ohio
At noon on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, visitors to Worthington and residents alike crowd downtown. They stay to visit shops and eateries during the merchants' Holiday Open House and to light the Christmas tree on the village green at dusk.
During this traditional celebration, tinkling bell ringers and carolers stroll sidewalks. While you tour the historic village, the aroma of roasting chestunts recalls the Christmases of a simpler time.
Storekeepers greet holiday visitors in specialty shops along historic High Street. It's hard to believe that Columbus, the state's largest city, nearly surrounds this relaxed community.
Life-size cutouts of Victorian carolers stand before historic churches in the preserved four-square-block area, now a shoppers' haven. Evergreen wreaths and garlands with red velvet bows add a jolly English charm.
Yuletide cheer surrounds you at Curio Cabinet and Christmas Village, which salutes the holidays year-round. Shoppers admire nativities, Nutcrackers and wreaths, as well as trees decorated with thousands of unusual ornaments you can buy. Store windows throughout downtown glimmer with giftware, home accessories, collectibles, pottery, artwork and dolls.
You can lunch at La Chatelaine French Bakery & Cafe on from-scratch specialties such as lemon chicken salad or jambalaya. Taking home a buche de noel (yule log) made there is a Worthington shoppers' tradition.
Welcoming lights of The Worthington Inn greet visitors, who feast in the elegant dining room or spend the night in one of the 1831 hotel's posh rooms. Snuggling down in an antique bed, you drift off to visions of sugarplums, as well as the shopping that lies ahead. Santa makes an appearance at the Worthington Inn.
Reviewed April 2004.
